MS Realtors RFP

Mississippi Association of REALTORS 2028 CONFERENCE & EXPO

HATTIESBURG, MS PROPOSAL

AVAILABLE DATES:

SEPTEMBER 25-28 OR OCTOBER 9-12, 2028

®

Contents WELCOME ................................3 MEET IN HBURG.......................6 HBURG HOTELS.......................7 CONNECT IN HBURG.............10 TRAVEL TO HBURG.................11 DESTINATION SERVICES.........12 HBURG HAPPY HOUR.............13 EXTEND YOUR STAY...............14 TESTIMONIALS........................15

Contact MEGAN MALLORY Sales & Visitor Services Manager mmallory@visithburg.org KRISTEN BROCK Vice President of Marketing & Programs kbrock@visithburg.org 601.296.7475 www.visithburg.org/meetings-events/ 2

Welcome to HBURG With more than 400,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, Hattiesburg has a place for every kind of meeting or event. We look forward to the opportunity of hosting PRAM and your delegates in our city. World class service, combined with 3,000+ hotel rooms, group activities, a vibrant culture, and attractions, makes Hattiesburg the perfect destination for your 2028 conference.

In Hattiesburg, we celebrate culture, business, community, and people. However, we are more than a cheerleader. We are a champion for you, a resounding voice backed by measurable action.

You can count on the team at VisitHATTIESBURG to champion your gathering, too.

MAYOR TOBY BARKER, HATTIESBURG Our city welcomes you and your organization to one of the best communities in the Gulf South.

Hattiesburg’s renaissance features everything you need for your next conference – from turnkey event facilities and local dining options that rival any major metropolitan area to multiple music venues. We invite you to join us to explore what the Hub City has to offer.

MARLO DORSEY, CEO, VISITHATTIESBURG Hattiesburg’s welcoming, innovative vibe makes it the perfect meeting destination. Home to two thriving universities, thousands of hotel rooms, and exceptional event facilities, the HBURG team is ready to partner with PRAM for your next event. Our yearround mild climate means fun before and after your event, too.

Come play and stay a while. We’ll see you soon!

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May 22, 2026

Dear Denise and the MAR Board, Greetings from VisitHATTIESBURG, the perfect location for the 2028 Mississippi Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Annual Conference and Expo!

As Mississippi’s third most visited city and home to two thriving universities, Hattiesburg offers many amenities to make your conference a highly rewarding one. With state-of-the-art meeting facilities, comfortable hotels, impressive group activities, and vibrant dining, music, and art scenes, the Hub City is truly the ideal fit.

Our team at VisitHATTIESBURG will work with numerous partners to roll out the red carpet for your event. Our close relationship with area hotels, meeting facilities, and entertainment venues is sure to make your planning experience with us stress-free. Rest assured, we’ll cover every detail to ensure a memorable Hattiesburg experience for the MAR Conference and Expo in the Fall of 2028.

Included in this packet you will find details about Hattiesburg’s accommodation offerings, and in-depth proposals for hosting your meeting at the Lake Terrance Convention Center, as well as an After Hours Social at the Hattiesburg Zoo. VisitHATTIESBURG also offers numerous group services, which can be found in our Meeting Planners Guide. Please note that we’d also like to host up to two MAR State Board Members for a site visit.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the Request for Proposal. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions regarding this bid. We hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Megan Mallory Sales & Visitor Services Manager

PO Box 1103, Hattiesburg, MS 39403

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601.296.7475

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www.visithburg.org

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Meet in HBURG LAKE TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER Lake Terrace Convention Center offers more than 30,000 square feet of flexible space to meet all requirements listed in the MAR RFP. Available September 25-28 and October 9-12, 2028, this venue provides customized services, including in-house food & beverage and design teams, which promise to elevate your annual meeting. In addition to state-of-the-art facilities and an attentive staff, the facility overlooks an attractive two-acre lake and terrace set amongst a landscape of tall pines, lush greenery, and water features.

LAKE TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER One Convention Center Plaza Hattiesburg, MS 39401 https://laketerrace.com CONTACT: Brady Pearce, Director of Event Sales and Services (601) 296.7401 bpearce@hattiesburg.org Attached is a full proposal from Lake Terrace, which offers a waiver of all audio/visual costs, stage costs, and the overage hour room rental rates. Operated by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, they’ve also included pricing for their sister venue, the Hattiesburg Zoo.

LAKE TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER

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Meet in HBURG LAKE TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER Category

Subtotal

Discount

Total

Venue Rental

$25,000

$25,000

$0.00

Event Services

-

-

$0.00

A/V

$570

-

$570

Setup

-

-

$0.00

F&B

$35,356

-

$44,282.80 (after tax & fees)

Total*

$44,852.80*

(after tax and fees)

*All prices are estimates only and are subject to change. This price does include taxes & fees. **A more detailed proposal has been provided as an attachment.

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HBURG Hotels Hattiesburg is known for it’s hallmark hospitality, and that extends to our accommodation partners. The VisitHATTIESBURG team has excellent partnerships with area hotels and can help you navigate the myriad of decisions and requirements when selecting where your group will stay.

ATTENDEE HOTEL DISCOUNTED GROUP RATES Proposed Dates: SEPTEMBER 25-28 OR OCTOBER 9-12, 2028

HOTEL PROPERTY

NIGHTLY RATE

ROOM TYPE

BREAKFAST INCLUDED

SPECIAL NOTES

DOUBLETREE

$159

Double / King

Yes

HILTON GARDEN INN

$149

King / Queen

No

Newly renovated property.

HOTEL INDIGO

$199

King / Queen

No

On site bar and restaurant.

ATTENDEE HOTEL NOTES & DETAILS Attrition clauses may apply.

All hotels offer complimentary parking and are less than 5 miles from the Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Booking links will be made available once blocks are confirmed with the properties.

VisitHATTIESBURG will host site visits at any hotel and connect you directly with hotel staff once properties are selected.

Additional details may be found below. *Please note that no hotel rooms are blocked until a contract has been signed with the selected property(s).

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HBURG Hotels ADDITIONAL ATTENDEE HOTEL NOTES & DETAILS Proposed Dates: SEPTEMBER 25-28 OR OCTOBER 9-12, 2028

HILTON GARDEN INN Special discounted rates (in addition to the group rate) for 14 staff rooms at $129 per night Weekly Room Pick-Up reports sent via email including guest name, arrival/departure dates and confirmation number (once a week starting July 17, 2028 and twice a week beginning September 1, 2028) Complimentary room policy of one complimentary room per 25 room nights on an over all cumulative basis Extension of negotiated room rates 3 days prior and 3 days following the contracted conference dates on a space available basis Maximum of three week cutoff prior to the conference for room reservations at conference rate Opportunity to review and adjust Room Block, without penalty until July 17, 2028 Room block with no attrition penalties

HOTEL INDIGO Weekly Room Pick-Up reports sent via email including guest name, arrival/departure dates and confirmation number (once a week starting July 17, 2028 and twice a week beginning September 1, 2028) Maximum of three week cutoff prior to the conference for room reservations at conference rate Opportunity to review and adjust Room Block, without penalty until July 17, 2028 Room block with no attrition penalties

DOUBLETREE One complimentary suite upgrade for the President Elect Special discounted rates (in addition to the group rate) for 14 staff rooms at $155 per night Weekly Room Pick-Up reports sent via email including guest name, arrival/departure dates and confirmation number (once a week starting July 17, 2028 and twice a week beginning September 1, 2028) Extension of negotiated room rates 3 days prior and 3 days following the contracted conference dates on a space available basis Maximum of three week cutoff prior to the conference for room reservations at conference rate Opportunity to review and adjust Room Block, without penalty until July 17, 2028 Room block with no attrition penalties 8

Connect in HBURG AFTER HOURS SOCIAL Hattiesburg offers unforgettable after ours social options that blend adventure with a vibrant local vibe your attendees will love. For a truly unique experience, Hattiesburg Zoo transports guests to Africa with exclusive access to the Giraffe Pavilion and Ladha’s Overlook. Attendees can enjoy global-inspired small bites and a full bar with unique libations, all while taking in memorable animal encounters at one of Mississippi’s top attractions.

Beyond the setting, the experience is fully customizable—whether you’re incorporating live music, branded activations, or interactive elements that encourage networking in a relaxed, open-air environment. The Zoo’s immersive atmosphere creates natural conversation starters, making it easy for guests to connect while exploring the space.

With flexible layouts for groups of various sizes and a team experienced in hosting exceptional events, every detail is designed to leave a lasting impression.

It’s an evening unlike any other—equal parts adventurous, elevated, and distinctly Hattiesburg—and a warm, engaging way to welcome your attendees and set the tone for a memorable visit.

HATTIESBURG ZOO

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Connect in HBURG AFTER HOURS SOCIAL PRICING DETAILS VENUE

INFORMATION

AVAILABLE DATES

Information and pricing included in Lake Terrace Convention Center proposal

HATTIESBURG ZOO

Estimate: Venue - $4,000, $0.00 sponsored by HCC 1 drink ticket per person - $3,000, $0.00 sponsored

by HCC Small Bites for 300 people - $13,650 includes sodas and bottled water

9/28/2028 & 10/12/2028

ESTIMATED TOTAL: $13,650

RECEPTION NOTES & DETAILS Quote with breakdown of costs and more details are attached to this proposal.

Security staffing and coverage are not included in the current proposal; however, these services can be discussed and arranged as needed during the planning process.

If this venue is not what MAR is seeking, VisitHATTIESBURG can provide alternate options. With a large variety of venue options to meet any style or budget, our team is happy to provide more suggestions or take your group on a site visit to other venues.

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Travel to HBURG Known as the Hub City, Hattiesburg is centrally located in the Gulf South. With our easy drivability from a majority of your membership, you can expect peak attendance for the conference!

LOCAL/REGIONAL FLIGHTS

TRAIN / RENTAL CAR

• Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB): Two nonstop flights to Houston on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and one nonstop flight to Houston on Tuesday and Saturday

• Amtrak: Crescent Line New Orleans, LA to New York City, NY • Budget, Enterprise, and Avis

• Gulfport-Biloxi Itnl. Airport (GPT) • Jackson-Evers Intl. Airport (JAN) • Meridian Regional Airport (MEI) • Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) • Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport (MSY)

DRIVING DISTANCES FROM YOUR CHAPTERS • MS Gulf Coast – 1.5 hrs

• Jackson – 1.5 hrs

• Starkville – 2.5 hrs

• Oxford – 4 hrs

• Vicksburg – 2.25 hrs

• Tupelo – 4.5 hrs

GETTING AROUND HBURG Hattiesburg’s main source of daytime transportation for those who don’t bring their own vehicles is the Hub City Transit bus system, which provides services Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Uber and Lyft area also available for in-town transportation.

Destination SERVICES Let the comprehensive list of Destination Services offered by VisitHATTIESBURG help you elevate your upcoming meeting at no additional cost to MAR. By partnering with us, you maximize the success and budget of your event, while marking important items off your to-do list. Many hands make light work in the Hub City!

AVAILABLE TO GROUPS WITH 25+ HOTEL ROOM NIGHTS Accommodation Bids Site Inspections Name Badges Welcome Bags

Visitor Guides Welcome Letters Itinerary Planning Media Kits and Publicity

Team Building Activities Registration Assistance On-Site Information Booth

LAKE TERRACE CONVENTION CENTER

THE BOTTLING COMPANY

CUSTOMIZABLE VIP GIFT BASKETS

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HBURG Happy Hour When your meeting concludes, the day does not have to end! Hattiesburg offers nearly 200 locally owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, and a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions, such as the Hattiesburg Zoo, Southern Prohibition Brewery, and the Longleaf Trace. Let our team help you plan the perfect happy hour activities to ensure your group enjoys every moment outside of work in HBURG!

HATTIESBURG ZOO

SOUTHERN PROHIBITION

THE LUCKY RABBIT

PINEBELT BLUEWAYS

MOHAWK STEEL AND GLASS

TASTINGS AT THE LITTLE WINE SHOPPE

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Extend Your STAY Keep the fun going! Bring the family and stay through the weekend. Check out our trails and tours. We have it all planned for you! Inspire your stay with our itineraries or create your own.

HBURG PUBLIC ART TRAIL Whether you walk it, bike it, or drive it, explore this collection of murals, sculptures, and hand painted utility boxes designed by artists both local and from across the nation. The HBURG Public Art Trail has more than 100 stops and growing.

FREEDOM SUMMER TRAIL The 1964 Freedom Summer self-guided driving tour, features 16 historic sites, winds through downtown, and ends on The University of Southern Mississippi campus. It is the largest of its kind in the Southeast U.S.

HATTIES[BURGER] TRAIL Locals are known as Hattiesburgers. So, we know a thing or two about burgers!

Hop on the trail to take a bite out of classics, gourmet, specialty burgers, and everything in between.

HATTIESBURG GEOTOUR Explore Hattiesburg with a GeoTour. With more than 40 geocache hides to find, Hattiesburg offers one of only 80 active official GeoTours worldwide and the only one in Mississippi.

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Testimonials from PARTNERS Hear from colleagues on why selecting Hattiesburg is the right choice for your next meeting or event.

“Beginning with the first telephone conversation until our closure, VisitHATTIESBURG staff were with us the entire way. They provided excellent options based on our needs and were available to help us when challenges or needs arose. Would The Southern Christmas Tree Association return to Hattiesburg? Definitely. VisitHATTIESBURG staff are the definition of Southern hospitality who are available to help you every step along the way. They know their turf and apply their professionalism very effectively.”

MICHAEL BUCHART Executive Secretary The Southern Christmas Tree Association

“Every time we hold an event in Hattiesburg, our members love it! The layout of the convention center is perfect for our needs, and the location makes it easy to get to from anywhere. The team at VisitHBURG makes planning memorable events a breeze. They continue to raise the bar, which creates invaluable networking opportunities.”

“Working in collaboration with VisitHBURG helped Spire Energy tremendously in preparing for our annual meeting. Their connections to the “who’s who” of the community made setting appointments and site visits very productive. I will never hesitate to reach out to these experts.”

ROBBIE BROWN

FREDDIE TRIPLETT

Deputy Director Mississippi Municipal League

Sr. Business Dev. Representative Spire Energy

SOUTHERN PROHIBITION BREWERY

THE LAWN AT LAKE TERRACE

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Details Matter in HBURG Looking for even more information than what’s included in your proposal?

We have everything you need right here. In Hattiesburg, we believe every detail matters—whether it's finding the perfect venue, selecting locally inspired dining, or making sure your attendees have an unforgettable experience.

Inside, you’ll find additional information from our venue partners, complete with detailed layouts, catering options, and amenities that we believe make Hattiesburg the ideal place for your annual conference.

Should you need further clarification or wish to discuss any of these materials, our team is here to help make your decision process as seamless as possible. We’re excited to work together in creating a memorable event for the MAR community!

Contact MEGAN MALLORY Sales & Visitor Services Manager mmallory@visithburg.org KRISTEN BROCK Vice President of Marketing & Programs kbrock@visithburg.org 601.296.7475 www.visithburg.org/meetings-events/